Job Discussion Forums

leosmith · Joined: 25 May 2007 Posts: 54

While in Japan, I'd like to be covered for major disasters only (things costing $5000+). I hate paying high premiums, and I hate dealing with insurance companies' paperwork. I can get covered by Loyds, but I wonder if any of you are in the same boat, and what you do for insurance.

Nagoyaguy · Joined: 15 May 2003 Posts: 425 Location: Aichi, Japan

If you stay in Japan for more than a year (I think), you are obligated to join the national health insurance system. If you work full time for a school or company, they should/must enrol you in the public system. It includes both health insurance and the national pension plan (this system is called "shakai hoken"). The premiums are split between you and your employer. If you work part time, or as an independent contractor, you can join "kokumin kenko hoken", the separate health insurance only plan. Premiums will be based on your previous years' salary, so for the first year it is very cheap.

Gypsy Rose Kim · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 151

I believe most eikawa jobs are considered part-time because the actual classroom time is under 40 hours a week. Am I wrong in assuming that none of us really qualify for shakai hoken?

Also, is it even possible to pay for the kkh without paying into the pension system? I didn't think this was the case anymore.

I plan on staying in Japan a while, so I'm getting the kokumin kenko hoken once my visa is processed and I apply for my alien card. I'm looking at it, along with the pension, as a necessary evil. Am I wrong?

Nagoyaguy · Joined: 15 May 2003 Posts: 425 Location: Aichi, Japan

I'm no expert on the current eikaiwa scene, but I think for health insurance the total number of hours you are required to be at the office is the key, NOT the teaching time. After all, if you are forced to be there, it is still work, isnt it? If that were the case, no teachers anywhere would qualify- who do you know that actually spends 40 hours a week in the classroom?

Some of the big chain schools are working out ways to get around this, by offering contracts up to 29.5 hours a week (the threshold for health insurance is 30 hours).

yamanote senbei · Joined: 28 Jun 2005 Posts: 435

The so called 30 hour a week threshold is incorrect and isn't mentioned anywhere in law. Companies have been this argument however in an attempt to stave off the inevitable. Some companies have realized this and that the making everyone part-time dodge was actually interfering with their business, and so have "promoted" or made the offer of "promotion" to full-time.